Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Abate Metastasio

This biography, first published in 1796, recounts the life of Italian poet and librettist Pietro Metastasio (1698-1782). Alternating biographical narrative with translations of the poet's correspondence, it provides a faithful account of Metastasio's complex life and affairs. Volume 1 covers Metastasio's life from his early childhood until 1751.